Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Xavier University of Louisiana at a Glance
Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) is a private historically black Catholic university in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. It is the only Catholic HBCU. Upon the canonization of Katharine Drexel in 2000 it became the first Catholic university founded by a saint.
1925
101 years old
$178M
$178 million (2022)
3,218
2,688 undergrad · 530 grad
Identity
Is Xavier University of Louisiana Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, Xavier University of Louisiana is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,184 — 3% below average — while paying $17,127/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 49% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Xavier University of Louisiana has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Xavier University of Louisiana compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #24 of 93 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #3 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #4 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
| #5 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #6 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #24 | Xavier University of Louisiana | 38 | $17,127 | $52,184 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Xavier University of Louisiana's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Xavier University of Louisiana
The highest-earning program at Xavier University of Louisiana is Chemistry at $23,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $20,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Chemistry graduate from Xavier University of Louisiana earns $23,700, while a Biology, General graduate earns $20,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Chemistry graduates carry $28,750 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,127/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | $23,700 | $23,700 | $28,750 |
| Psychology, General | $23,000 | $23,000 | $28,917 |
| Biology, General | $20,900 | $20,900 | $27,000 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- New Orleans, LA
- Student Body
- 2,628 students
- Admission Rate
- 69%
- Graduation Rate
- 49%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,127
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,184
- Median Student Debt
- $24,053